When you look at the Flames’ prospect pool, it was understandable to think Calgary would take a forward with the 16th overall pick.
After all, they have Brett Kulak, Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington, and Adam Fox already – guys ranging from possibly NHL-ready right now to looking like they have a hell of a lot of upside. Compare that to their forward pool, and sure, there’s Mark Jankowski, and you hope for Morgan Klimchuk or Andrew Mangiapane, but no forward names truly stick out the way they do on defence.
The Flames didn’t add that bluechip forward in the first round.